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The Boss grip

When I went to Iain's seminar almost a year ago now we learned what he called The Boss Grip. It was a really fun way to play around with techniques and getting a good workout in the same go.

I've started doing some easy bunkais from the 2 first Pinan, and some other easier bits from Yondan and Godan. But as most of us are quite new to bunkai in my club it takes time to build up that speed in the techniques that are neccecary to actually get sweaty :) So I'd love to bring in the boss grip to mix it up a little for my next bunkai training in the club.

If anyone could give me a good thurough explanation of the boss grip with pictures, or even better a video, it would be much appreciated!

Also, if anyone has any good tips on how to make the bunkai training more interesting I'm all ears! I'm quite new to bunkai, and it seems like I'm the only one interested in doing research about the subject and teaching others in my club.

I like to think of Iains "Boss grip" as shuto uke - except the shuto "Strike" is on the other side of the head in grip on the back of the neck. The reverse arm is pinning the opponents arm in the same way as in shuto uke. I just find that an easy way to conceptulaize it.

I was more thinking of the "slow dance" bit of the grip with the elbows, eye poking and ear biting :) My memory is kinda fussy, so just need a reminder how to start it off so I can teach others.

That’s not the grip, but the “playing for grips” game that I often use as a warm-up. Both play for grips (as opposed to fight for grips which comes after) such that there is a flow and a sensitivity to each others movements. One person can then lightly head-butt, knee, elbow, bite (by snapping the teeth near the ear etc), eye gouge (put the thumb just above the eye brow), seize the groin (grab the belt knot), and grab the throat (by placing the web of the hand on the neck). The aim of the drill is to help tori (the doer) recognise the openings for such techniques. Uke (the recipient) does not actively resist but creates obstacles to be navigated by continuing to play for grips. After a while, tori and uke change roles. It’s one of many drills I use for warm-ups and lower grades. I hope that helps?